ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Academy award contender 'Birthday Boy' screened at IFFI 53
‘Our movie is a celebration of life’- Arturo Montenegro, Director of movie Birthday Boy
#IFFIWood, 25 November 2022
Candles, cake, light and friends… What else one could ask for on his birthday? Jimmy celebrates his 45th birthday at the beach house with his friends. Everything turns upside down when he confesses that he is planning to kill himself after the cake cutting.
Birthday boy   is a Panamian thriller movie directed by Arturo Montenegro. While talking about his movie at ‘Table talks' conducted during 53rd International Film Festival of India, Goa, Arturo Montenegro mentioned about the high suicidal rates in the world. “Birthday boy is a movie that talks about friendship. There is only present and not to worry about the future”, Arturo told the audience.
The movie’s writer and producer Andry J Barrientos was also present in the table talks. He told, “Idea about the theme of the movie originated during the pandemic times. We were talking about the death at large”. The film talks about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis which the protagonist was diagnosed with. “The film is also a conversation about ALS which was not touched upon earlier”, director added. Talking about the disease, he said “Not able to communicate is very suffocating and depressing”.
The movie is also a contender for academy awards this year. “It is a beautiful thing to represent your country. You feel that you are carrying the flag”, remarked Arturo Montenegro. “Birthday boy is a celebration of life. Our movie is very personal and talks about something like birth and death. It depicts the circle of life”, the director further mentioned.PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW |Monika/Anakha/ Darshana| IFFI 53 - 115
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Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Mission Olympic Cell sanctions MirabaiChanu’s overseas training and rehabilitation; Sports Minister says the best facilities will be provided to Olympic athletes
The Mission Olympic Cell  had an online meeting earlier today to discuss financial proposals of over Rs. 1.5 crores of athletes in six sports Shooting, Badminton, Boxing, Para Sports, Weightlifting and Hockey who are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme . The committee sanctioned weightlifter MirabaiChanu’s proposal of approximately Rs 40 lakhs for a two-month overseas training programme in Kansas, USA along with her coach and physiotherapist, as well as her rehabilitation for a long standing injury that she had been carrying. Speaking about the decision, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. KirenRijiju said, "We are completely focussed on providing the best facilities to our Olympic-bound athletes. It was felt by the experts on the Committee that Mirabai can get the best rehabilitation programme in the US along with training, and therefore her coach and physio are also accompanying her. I am sure this exposure will help her greatly in her Olympic preparation."
The other decisions include the following:
Shooting:
The committee sanctioned the proposal of shooters to procure ammunition so that they can train at their own home ranges due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The committee also sanctioned the proposals of AnjumMoudgil and Mairaj Ahmad Khan for their equipment and training requirements.
Boxing:
The committee ratified the three month overseas training programme  of VikasKrishan along with his personal coach Ron Simms Jr. in the USA.
Badminton:
The committee sanctioned the participation of three players KidambiSrikanth, SainaNehwal and Lakshya Sen in the Danish Open Super 750. Further it also sanctioned Sen’s training in Denmark and participation in the SaarLorLux Open.
Para-Sport:
The committee sanctioned the coaching fees of Sharad Kumar’s coach YevhenNikitin till the Tokyo Paralympics for a period of one year.
Hockey:
The committee has sanctioned the proposal of the Indian men’s hockey team to appoint a physiotherapist RB Kannan for an initial period of three months after the departure of the foreign physio.
The Committee also discussed the measures being taken to protect all athletes who are under training at SAI centres, against COVID 19. The medical experts on the committee reiterated the necessity to strictly follow the quarantine process formulated by the experts, and the SAI and State SOPs to prevent any inadvertent transmission of the virus.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Indonesia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences at New Delhi in May 2018 and Mr. Mohamad Nasir, Minister for Research, Technology and Higher Education, Indonesia on the Indonesian side at Jakarta in May 2018. Signing of the MoU will open a new chapter in bilateral relations as both sides will now leverage complementary strengths spurred by a significant convergence of mutual interests in science and technology.
The objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation in the fields of science and technology between India and Indonesia on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The stake-holders will include researchers from scientific organizations, academia, R&D laboratories and companies from India and Indonesia. Information and Communication Technology; Marine Science & Technology; Life Sciences ; Energy Research; Water Technologies; Disaster Management; Space Sciences, Technology and Applications; Geospatial Information and Applied Chemistry were identified as potential areas for immediate collaboration.
Ministry of Education
Interventions for reducing drop-out rate of girl students
Under Samagra Shiksha, various interventions have been targeted for reducing drop-out of girls, which include opening of schools in the neighbourhood to make access easier for girls, free uniform and text-books to girls up to class VIII, additional teachers and residential quarters for teachers in remote/hilly areas, appointment of additional teachers including women teachers, stipend to CWSN girls from class I to class XII, separate toilets for girls, teachers' sensitization programmes to promote girls participation, gender-sensitive teaching-learning materials including text books etc. In addition, to reduce gender gaps at all levels of school education, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas , which are residential schools from class VI to XII for girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority and Below Poverty Line , are sanctioned in Educationally Backward Blocks. Further, in Kendriya Vidyalayas, girls have been exempted from paying tuition fees from class I to XII and education is free for girls in classes from VI to XII who happen to be the only child of their parents.
As per the data available on Unified District Information System for Education plus , annual average drop-out rate for last three years is as under:
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Level
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2019-20
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2020-21
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2021-22
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|
Boys
|
|
Girls
|
|
Boys
|
|
Girls
|
|
Boys
|
|
Girls
|
|
Elementary
|
|
1.9
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|
1.9
|
|
1.2
|
|
1.4
|
|
2.0
|
|
2.0
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Secondary
|
|
17.0
|
|
15.1
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|
14.3
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|
13.7
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|
13.0
|
|
12.2

This data shows that the drop-out rate of girls and boys are comparable and girl children do not have higher drop out rate than boys.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
10th round of talks between Government and Farmers Unions held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Next round of dialogue to be held on 22nd January 2021
Union Minister for Agriculture Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Railways, Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri PiyushGoyal and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Som Prakash participated in the 10th round of talks with the representatives of 41 Farmers’ Unions at VigyanBhawan, New Delhi today. At the outset Shri Tomar greeted the Farmers’ Unions on the occasion of 354th Prakash Parvof Shri Guru Govind Singh Ji and thanked them for keeping the agitation peaceful.
Shri Tomar said that the Government has proposed to the farmers’ Unions that the implementation of Farm laws should be kept on hold for a period of one to one and half years. During this time representatives of farmers’ Unions and the Government can discuss all issues related to the farmers’ agitation so that an appropriate solution can be arrived at. During the talks the the representatives of the farmers’ unions said that they will discuss the Government’s proposal in detail and will come for dialogue on 22nd January, 2021.
Agriculture Minister once again reiterated that the farm laws are going to bring about revolutionary change in the life of farmers and in the agriculture sector. The Government is committed to protecting the welfare of farmers and no one can take the farmers’ land away from them. The Minister appealed that clause wise discussion of the farm laws can take place for the talks to be meaningful, farmers’ Unions can also give alternatives other than repeal of the laws. The Government is committed to continuing the dialogue process with an open mind and a pure intention.
NITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission Launches Three Innovative Resources to Empower India's Young Minds
ATL Tinkering Curriculum, Equipment Manual, and Calendar for 2023-24
Atal Innovation Mission , NITI Aayog, has launched three new resources aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among India's youth. The launch event introduced the ATL Tinkering Curriculum, Equipment Manual, and the Calendar of Activities for 2023-24.
The ATL Tinkering Curriculum is a structured learning pathway designed to help students develop and hone their innovation skills. The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Makerghat and covers a wide range of concepts, from basic electronics and mechanics to cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing and Internet of Things. With this curriculum, students will be encouraged to identify and design creative solutions to everyday problems through hands-on, experiential learning.
The Equipment Manual provides comprehensive guidance on the equipment provided in the Atal Tinkering Labs in schools across the country. The manual contains detailed information about each equipment and tool, including the specifications, applications, and examples of projects that can be built using them. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the possibilities of innovation and problem-solving.
While as, the Calendar of Activities for 2023-24 outlines a year-long schedule of events, workshops, and competitions aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The calendar has the latest Tinkering Curriculum and Equipment Manual integrated into it. It also has a special section called - Activity of the Month which has exciting activities that the students can do in their ATL lab every month.
Speaking at the launch event, AIM Mission Dr. Chintan Vaishnav said, "We are excited to launch these new resources, which are aligned with the government's vision of creating a self-reliant India that is capable of finding innovative solutions to its own challenges. These initiatives will go a long way in empowering India's young minds with the necessary skills to become tomorrow's innovators and change-makers."
The Atal Innovation Mission is committed to creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among India's youth, and these resources are a testament to that commitment. With these resources, teachers, mentors and students across the country will be equipped with the necessary skills to innovate for a better India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
GeM 3.0 launched
Government e Marketplace announces National Sellers On-boarding Campaign
Government e Marketplace , has been envisaged by Government of India as the National Procurement Portal of India. GeM strives to keep pace with ever-evolving technological challenges and stake holder aspirations and in line with this endeavour, GeM is coming up with a scaled up third version. The GeM 2.0 was launched as a pilot in August 2016 and its success led to this massive transformation program - GeM 3.0 which would offer standardised and enriched catalogue management, powerful search engine, real time price comparison, template-based Bid and RA creation, demand aggregation, e-EMD, e-PBG, user rating, advanced MIS and analytics and more.
Some of the notable enhancements in the 3.0 version:
- Market Based generic requirements across all government agencies
- Standardisation of specifications of both products and services enabling empirical price comparability
- Completely transparent transactions across all ranges
- Generic standards established through universal service levels and cost comparison enabled
- Open and dynamic market place with rating based on performance of user on website
National Sellers On-boarding Campaign
Coinciding with the migration to the 3.0 version, National Sellers On-boarding Campaign has been launched to train sellers/ service providers for transition from GeM 2.0 to GeM 3.0. All MoU signed 20 State Capitals will be trained by GeM MSP trainers along with Business Groups – CII, ASSOCHAM and PHDCII. Senior Officers from GeM will visit these states to facilitate the transition.
More than 200 people were trained and supported in registering during the walk-in Training cum Registration Centre organised on 27th and 28th in GeM Office  from 10am to 6pm. The officers of GeM and training team guided the sellers in registration on the new portal and listing of products. The GeM Contact Centre is also fully functioning during to handle any queries from the sellers.
Commenting on the campaign, Smt. Radha S. Chauhan, IAS, CEO, GeM said, “We are proud to launch this campaign on a day of national importance. Redefining purchase/procurement; enhanced GeM 3.0 platform, delivered and to be operated by Intellect Design Arena Ltd – Managed Services Provider  and its consortium partners will further the Digital India vision of transparency, openness and fairness. GeM 3.0 has undergone a digital transformation with superior technology and ability to scale from the previous version. This will bring together many sellers and service providers for products and services across the country under one roof, truly making it a digital tool of empowerment and entrepreneurship. This initiative gives a huge uplift for growth of MSME’s, manufacturers & service providers. As Digital India aims to bring in maximum transparency by minimising Government’s human transactional interface, the launch of the Sellers On-boarding Campaign will streamline the procurement of goods and services making it an easy, go-to portal for sellers and service providers”.
Special Service and Features
Walk-in-interview at CTCRI
A Walk-in-interview will be conducted at the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute  , Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram at 10 AM on 12th June 2023 for the selection of One Young Professional -II  in the “ICAR Consortia Platform on diagnostics and vaccines” having qualification of M. Sc.  Plant Pathology/ Plant Biotechnology/ or M.Sc in Biotechnology/ Biochemistry and Practical Experience in Handling of Plant viruses, DNA, RNA, Protein, cloning and usage of computer, database, MS office experience. The post is purely temporary . Candidates having First class postgraduate degree in the relevant subject and not more than 45 years as on 01.06.2023 may attend the interview along with all documents. Details can be seen in the website http://www.ctcri.org/scripts/announcements.php
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
President of India to address the 31st Foundation Day event of National Commission for Women tomorrow
NCW organizing a two-day event to celebrate its Foundation Day ; Theme of the programme is ‘Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat’
The Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu will address the 31st Foundation Day of the National Commission for Women in Delhi tomorrow i.e. on January 31st, 2023. The theme of the programme is ‘Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat’ aimed at acknowledging and celebrating the stories of women who have excelled and paved their journey to leave a mark. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt Smriti Zubin Irani and MoS, WCD, Shri Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai will also grace the occasion.
The National Commissions, State Commissions for Women, Embassies, dignitaries from the legal fraternity, Departments of Women and Child Development, MLAs, University and College teaching faculty and students, senior officials from the police department, military and para military officials, National and State Legal Services Authority, members of the NCW advisory Committee, ex-Chairpersons and Members of the Commission, and NGOs will be a part of the event.
The Commission is organizing a two-day event to celebrate its 31st Foundation Day from 31st January, 2023 to 1st February, 2023. On the second day, a panel discussion will be held with extraordinary women who have led the path of inspiration and empowerment for several others. Through this discussion, the Commission aims to provide a platform with diverse and varied exchange of dialogue focusing around gender equality in decision-making and leadership roles of women belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds.
NCW was founded in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It was established to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommend remedial legislative measures, facilitate redressal, or grievances, and advise the government on policy matters affecting women.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage crosses the landmark of 39 Cr
Recovery Rate increases to 97.28%
41,806 Daily New Cases reported in last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload  presently constitutes 1.39% of total cases
Daily Positivity Rate  less than 3% for 24 consecutive days
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the landmark of 39 crores. Cumulatively,39,13,40,491 vaccine doses have been administered through 49,41,567 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. 34,97,058 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.
These include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,02,59,902
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
74,67,814
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,77,49,670
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,01,08,761
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
11,80,17,979
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
42,03,947
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
9,60,12,486
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2,62,71,510
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
7,14,89,465
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2,97,58,957
|
|
Total
|
|
39,13,40,491
The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from 21st June, 2021. The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.
Out of the people infected since the beginning of the pandemic, 3,01,43,850 people have already recovered from COVID-19 and39,130patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. This constitutes an overall recovery rate of 97.28%, which is showing a sustained increasing trend.
India has reported 41,806 daily new cases in the last 24 hours.
Less than 50,000 Daily New Cases have been reported since eighteen continuous days. This is a result of sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs.
India’s Active Caseload today stands at 4,32,041 and active cases now constitute 1.39% of the country's total Positive Cases.
With substantially ramped up testing capacity across the country, a total of 19,43,488 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country. Cumulatively, India has conducted over 43.80 crore  tests so far.
While on one side testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, a continued decline in weekly case positivity is noticed. Weekly Positivity Rate is currently at 2.21% while the Daily Positivity rate stands at 2.15% today. Daily Positivity rate has remained less than 3% for 24 consecutive days, and has remained below 5% for 38 consecutive days now.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
UPDATES ON COVID-19
During the last 24 hours, a total of 3,804 COVID-19 patients have been cured. Thus, so far, a total of 1,04,107 patients have been cured of COVID-19. The recovery rate is 47.99% amongst COVID-19 patients. Presently, there are 1,06,737 active cases and all are under active medical supervision.
ICMR has further ramped up the testing capacity for detecting the novel coronavirus in infected persons. The number of government labs has been increased to 498 and private labs has been increased to 212.1,39,485 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. The total number of samples tested thus far is 42,42,718.
The Ministry has issued fresh guidelines regarding safe ENT practices to be followed in the COVID-19 pandemic. Details can be accessed at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ENTCOVID0306.pdf
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA .
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each by India and Bangladesh from common border river Kushiyara
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding  between the Government of the Republic of India and the Republic of Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each by India and Bangladesh from common border river Kushiyara.
The Memorandum of Understanding  was signed on 6th September, 2022 between the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each by India and Bangladesh from common border River Kushiyara during dry season  for their consumptive water requirement.
This MoU will enable Government of Assam to withdraw upto 153 cusecs of water from the common stretch of Kushiyara river during dry season  for their consumptive water requirement.
A Joint Monitoring Team shall be set up by both the countries to monitor the withdrawal of water by each side during dry season.
Prime Minister's Office
Once known for blockades and violence, the Northeast region is now known for its development strides: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that earlier Northeast region was known as for blockades and violence, now the region is now known for its developmental strides and all-round development.
Shri Modi was responding to the tweet by Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah wherein Minister has informed that PM Narendra Modi led Government of India has once again decided to decrease the disturbed areas in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur under the AFSPA. Shri Shah also added that this decision has been taken on account of significant improvement in the security situation in North-East India.
In a reply to the tweet by Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"The Northeast is witnessing all-round development. Once known for blockades and violence, the region is now known for its development strides."